Less than 1% of the Earth's water is available for human use, and the average U.S. household wastes almost 10,000 gallons of that each year.
Becoming conscious of your water consumption and ways to lower it can reduce this waste - helping you conserve water (and cash!). We've compiled tips to help you reduce your water usage and splash into savings.
Check for Leaks
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks could account for about 10% of your bill. So, to see how much you might save in a year just by fixing leaks, add up the past 12 months of water bills and divide by 10. If your water bill averages $70/month, that's $84 of savings a year.
If you'd like to lower your household's water usage and your monthly bill, set aside some time to go through the EPA's Detect and Chase Down Leaks Checklist. This free resource guides you through how to determine if there are leaks in your home by:
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Checking your utility bill.
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Reading your water meter.
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Testing your toilet.
The checklist also provides a rundown of common leaks to check for inside and outside of your house.
Adjust Your Daily Activities
Seemingly small water waste can add up, so do an audit of your daily routine to see what simple adjustments could help you save. As you go through your day, consider things like:
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Keeping a pitcher of drinking water ready in the refrigerator rather than letting the faucet run until the water is cold enough.
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Composting food waste instead of running it through the garbage disposal.
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Washing only full loads of laundry or lowering the water level if you're washing a smaller amount of clothes.
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Turning off the water while you're brushing your teeth or shaving.
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Running the dishwasher only when it's fully loaded.
In addition to these small tweaks, finding ways to reduce your hot water usage specifically can not only save water but also minimize the gas or electricity to heat the water.
Don't Overlook the Outdoors
Water waste doesn't only happen inside. Nearly 30% of U.S. household water usage can be attributed to the outdoors. That number can rise to 70% in the summer months.
So, what are the common culprits of outdoor water waste, and how can you stop them? In addition to checking your spigot for leaks, you can try the tips below.
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Don't overwater your grass or plants. Check with an expert on how much your specific plants need to thrive. It may be less than you thought!
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Inspect your irrigation system. Check for leaks, clogs, or broken parts that may be leading to wasted water.
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Capture rainwater in a rain barrel. Rather than becoming runoff, that water can be used to hydrate your indoor flowers later on.
Go Green + Save All Year
While water usage may peak in the summer, conserving water is an important year-round priority. There are other things you can do all year to benefit the environment and give your wallet a break as well. To learn about them, check out our resource center.
